SA Direct, which promoted tourism, culture, lifestyle and commerce from the southern Africa region, was removed from the Sky EPG on October 9. The vacant EPG slot will now be sold to a suitable party seeking to launch a new channel on digital satellite.

In a statement, Canis Media said: "This is a unique opportunity for a broadcaster who is able to move quickly to successfully ensure transfer to a new owner.

"There has been significant interest in this position and we will be closing bids in the next day or so."

The company said that the slot does not currently come with a broadcasting licence, but there are "favourable third party technical contracts in place" for the new owner.